Roma interest means Everton must abandon summer plans for Gianluca Mancini and act immediately

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Everton had their future at centre-back mapped out, according to a report in early January. As per The Mirror, Everton were ready to launch a swoop for Atalanta youngster Gianluca Mancini at the end of the season.

Mancini fit the bill perfectly; he was young and already had Serie A experience, making him the perfect replacement for Kurt Zouma next summer.

But Marco Silva may be forced to abandon these plans and make an immediate move for Mancini after another club stole a march on the Toffees.

According to reports in Italy, Roma are closing in on the Italy under-21 international defender.

Corriere dello Sport via Calcio Mercato suggest that Roma have agreed a deal in principle to poach Mancini from Atalanta for €25m.

Roma are set to offer the former Fiorentina and Perugia defender a five-year deal to tempt him to the Italian capital.

Mancini is the ideal long-term defensive target for Everton and if they want to avoid missing out on this one, a late January swoop is necessary.

The 21-year-old has played 16 Serie A games this season, scoring an impressive five goals to demonstrate his aerial threat.

Standing at 6ft 3in tall, Mancini is a powerhouse in the air, as demonstrated with his tally of 39 aerial duels won, as per Who Scored.

With 21 tackles, 19 interceptions, 12 blocks and 41 clearances (Who Scored), the youngster is already looking like a complete centre-back at a high standard of football.

But Everton will lose out to Roma unless they make Mancini a January priority.